Publisher’s Perspective; December 2025

Publisher’s Perspective

What a Year!

As we close out 2025, all I can say is…what a year! It’s been full of growth, new partnerships, and countless reminders of how much I love this community. As we head into 2026, I’m excited to see what’s ahead and to keep building on the momentum we’ve created together.

We couldn’t be more thrilled about our new partnership with the Lake Norman Home Builders Association! LKN Magazine is proud to be the media sponsor for the 2025 Best of the Lake Awards. The talent, craftsmanship, and community spirit represented through these awards are truly remarkable, spanning not only builders and designers, but also local businesses, service providers, and partners who make Lake Norman such an incredible place to live and work. We can’t wait to help shine a light on all of them in our January 2026 issue.

I had to share this family photo we took recently! Life is crazy and schedules are even crazier, but we managed an impromptu brunch at one of our favorite spots in Winston-Salem—a good halfway point between us and my son and his girlfriend in Raleigh. Time with family (and of course those sweet grand pups!) is always the best reminder of what matters most.

I’m especially proud of this December issue. Our cover feature, Sweetgrass Boutique, has been with us since our very beginning in 2022, and we’re so grateful for their continued partnership and friendship. You can read their story starting on page 28.

You’ll also find a powerful piece highlighting several local restaurants that quietly and consistently help feed the homeless through Watchmen of the Streets. These businesses do so much good behind the scenes—please take a moment to support them, and if you’re a restaurant owner, consider joining their mission. Learn more starting on page 18.

Then flip to page 40 to see how our friends at Aquaventure Boat Club make lake life easy and fun, offering access to a fleet of beautiful boats without the hassle of ownership.

Our Art in Motion feature this month shines on the extraordinary work of Houston Llew (page 50)—a story you won’t want to miss. And of course, our December Gift Guide is packed with last-minute ideas from local shops and makers that make giving easy and meaningful.

From our family to yours, thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting LKN Magazine. We’re so grateful for this community and can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.

Warmest wishes for a joyful Christmas and a bright New Year,

Keela

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Keela Johnson

Hello! I’m Keela Johnson, the founder and publisher of Forsyth Magazines, a family of three publications that began in 2005 in Forsyth County, NC. After living in Clemmons for 30 years, I "retired" to Lake Norman and discovered a vibrant, active community filled with friendly people and new hobbies like paddle boarding, walking, and gardening. But with publishing in my blood, I quickly recognized an exciting opportunity to engage further with the wonderful Lake Norman community. Now, as the publisher of LKN Magazine, I’m thrilled to be part of a growing platform that celebrates the Lake Norman area. My daughter, Brooke Eagle, now co-owner and publisher, has been instrumental in helping take our family of magazines to new heights, and together, we’re continuing to share stories and promote local businesses in meaningful ways. At the heart of everything we do is the belief in the power of community. We’re passionate about creating a platform where local businesses can grow organically and meaningfully, and we’re excited to bring that same vision to the Lake Norman market. LKN Magazine proudly serves Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties, from Statesville to North Charlotte. In addition to print and online advertising, LKN Magazine offers a comprehensive range of services to help tell your story—including editorial features, social media promotion, and a monthly newsletter. You can subscribe to our newsletter at lkn-magazine.com to stay connected with all that’s happening around the Lake Norman community. We’re so grateful to be part of such dynamic communities in Forsyth and Lake Norman, and I’m honored to continue this journey with you. Let’s keep sharing stories, supporting local businesses, and building something meaningful together. Here’s to many more years of growth, connection, and celebration!

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